Importance of smell
and sounds during exploration and play
Overview
Messy play activities can sometimes appear overwhelming to children, and strong smells might cause them to gag. Additionally, some materials might produce sounds that children find difficult to process. These sensory inputs can be equally or more problematic than touch for some children and can vary across different activities. Here are some suggestions to consider for managing these sensory challenges in the early-years setting.
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Speak with parents and carers to understand which materials children are comfortable with at home and which they avoid.
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Separate materials into different containers to reduce sensory overload and allow children to interact with one texture at a time.
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Include non-scented options when making materials like play dough, or adjust textures by adding more flour to make it less tacky.
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Improve ventilation by opening windows and using fans to help disperse strong smells.
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Consider low-scent brands when replacing art materials to minimise sensory impact and make the experience more pleasant for children.
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If squeaking, crunching, scraping or banging are sounds that the child struggles with, try different mats, containers and tools that make less noise when used together.
These strategies can help create a more supportive and manageable sensory environment for children during messy play activities.
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Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about introducing food and drinks.
